France crisis deepens as squad refuse to train

Knysna: France`s World Cup squad refused to take part in a training session in front of the public on Sunday, according to top French Football Federation official Jean-Louis Valentin who subsequently resigned.

"I am disgusted, I am quitting my post," Valentin said.

Valentin quit shortly after France captain Patrice Evra had a shouting match with fitness coach Robert Duverne prior to the scheduled training session which led to embattled coach Raymond Domenech to intervene.

The incident took place as the rest of the squad - minus shamed striker Nicolas Anelka who has been sent home after a foul mouthed tirade of abuse at Domenech - were greeting the members of the public who had been allowed in to watch the session.

Evra departed to acknowledge the public while a furious Duverne, threw his stopwatch towards the far end of the pitch.

France need to beat hosts South Africa handsomely on Tuesday and hope that the Mexico against Uruguay clash does not end in a draw if they are to have any chance of reaching the second round.